Related resources for this article

(1637?–1703). The first of the distinguished English potters was John Dwight. The inventor of a translucent stoneware, he produced finely modeled busts and statues as well as products for everyday use.

Dwight was born in about 1637. After earning his bachelor of civil law degree at Christ Church, Oxford, he became registrar and scribe to the diocese of Chester. In 1665 he moved to Wigan and sometime between 1671 and 1674 moved to London. In 1671 Dwight took a patent for “transparent earthenware, commonly known by the names of porcelaine or china” and “stoneware, vulgarly called Cologne ware.” He did not actually make porcelain: His stoneware was partly translucent, so he mistook it for porcelain. Between 1693 and 1696 he was involved in lawsuits with 19 other potters over infringements of his stoneware patent.

The most important works from Dwight’s pottery are his busts and statues. They include busts of Prince Rupert of the Rhine and King Charles II, a statue of his daughter reclining, and various classical figures, all done by an unknown modeler. Various stoneware bottles and mugs also have been attributed to Dwight’s pottery. He died in 1703 in London.

It’s here: the NEW Britannica Kids website!

We’ve been busy, working hard to bring you new features and an updated design. We hope you and your family enjoy the NEW Britannica Kids. Take a minute to check out all the enhancements!

The same safe and trusted content for explorers of all ages.

Accessible across all of today's devices: phones, tablets, and desktops.

Improved homework resources designed to support a variety of curriculum subjects and standards.

A new, third level of content, designed specially to meet the advanced needs of the sophisticated scholar.

Want to see it in action?

Start a free trial

E-mail

To

From

Sender NamePlease enter your name.

Sender EmailPlease enter a valid email address.

Translate this page

Choose a language from the menu above to view a computer-translated version of this page. Please note: Text within images is not translated, some features may not work properly after translation, and the translation may not accurately convey the intended meaning. Britannica does not review the converted text.

After translating an article, all tools except font up/font down will be disabled. To re-enable the tools or to convert back to English, click "view original" on the Google Translate toolbar.

Sign up for our Britannica for Parents newsletter for expert advice on parenting in the 21st century!

Thank you for subscribing!

Be on the look out for the Britannica for Parents newsletter to deliver insightful facts for the family right to your inbox.